New Blog Post: Leaked Nikon Product Roadmap based on Thom Hogans Predictions

New Blog Post: Leaked Nikon Product Roadmap based on Thom Hogans Predictions

To see the full article click New Blog Post: Leaked Nikon Product Roadmap based on Thom Hogans Predictions

Nikon D4x DSLR Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Q4 2010

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon D4X:

Released 4th Quarter 2010 Nikon D4X - new features: 30.2 millions, FX sensor completely new design with maximized by increasing the sensitivity of more than 1 EV as "ultra-fast pixel register cache", which allows to double the frame rate or increase dynamic range, including effective aid noise reduction with natural lodging details. [S] 6.736 x 4.490 Continuous high-speed mode: FX 6 fps, 10 fps with a double-exposure phase detection AF & mirror up 5/sec., DR enhanced double-exposure mode: Auto, manual setting of time for both the ISO and exposure in "M", "A", "S" and "P" mode with a semi-double exposure corrections in the range of + -5 EV in the range of 1 s. and 1 / 8000 p. and ISO 200-6400 Format dNEF, ISO 100 - 6400, Lo-1, Hi 1 Movie - mode: 1920 * 1080 at 30 fps

Our Take:

Too early for the D4x, would make the D3x product life cycle less than 2 years. The in-camera HDR (double exposure to increase dynamic range) is straight out of Thom Hogans wish list.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon D4x DSLR Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Q4 2010

Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.4 Lens Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon 35mm f1.4 Update:

Released October 15th AF-S Nikkor 35 mm f/1.4G: peak lens completely revised design, Nano - Crystal Coat, enhance contrast-detect AF-S mode

Our Take:

Would be nice... we've heard nothing credible to say this lens is this close though.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.4 Lens Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

Nikon D4 Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Q2 2010

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon D4:

Released 2nd Quarter 2010 Nikon D4 - new features: effective pixels: 15.7 millions, FX sensor completely new design with maximized by increasing the sensitivity of more than 1 EV as "ultra-fast pixel register cache", which allows to double the frame rate or increase dynamic range, including effective aid noise reduction with natural lodging details. [S] 4.852 x 3.234 Continuous high-speed mode: FX & DX mode 11 fps, 16 fps mode FX with a double-exposure with the phase detection AF & mirror up 8/sec., DX mode 18 fps with a double-exposure FX & DX DR enhanced double-exposure mode: 5 fps for dNEF (* new) JPEG, and without the composition, 3 fps for the car, the JPEG DR enhanced double-exposure mode: Auto, manual setting of time for both the ISO and exposure in "M", "A", "S" and "P" mode with a semi-double exposure corrections in the range of + -5 EV in the range of 1 s. and 1 / 8000 p. and ISO 200 - 6400 Format dNEF, ISO 200 - 12800, Lo-1, Hi 2 100% Viewfinder, 0.78x magnification, integrated hledáčková magnifying glass for the DX cropping Integrated sensor management Nikon CLS Movie - mode: 1920 * 1080 at 30 fps Multi-CAM 4500: 61-point AF, Auto / User Drive dynamic AF-C, intelligent co-operation with 2200-pixel 3D Color Matrix meter to achieve the elusive success of autofocus, the possibility of combination with contrast-detect AF final for specific uses. The possibility of the electronic image projection or additional information to the entire area of a large viewfinder. Dual histogram for the double-exposure mode. Highlite map.

Our Take:

Too early for the D4, the D3 (with a possible update) should be good for a 3-4 year product cycle - why bring it forward in a down market unless Canon bring out a D3 killer?

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon D4 Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Q2 2010

Nikon D400 Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Q2 2010

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon D400:

Released 2nd Quarter 2010 Nikon D400 - new features: effective pixels: 13,8 millions, DX sensor completely new design with maximized by increasing the sensitivity of more than 1 EV as "ultra-fast pixel register cache", which allows to double the frame rate or increase dynamic range, including effective aid noise reduction with natural lodging details. 4.550 x 3.034 Continuous high-speed mode: 8 fps, 10 fps with BG, 12 fps with a double-exposure phase detection AF & mirror up 6/sec., 14 fps with BG to double-exposure with the phase detection AF & mirror up 7/sec., ISO 200 - 6400, Lo-1, Hi 1 Movie - mode: 1920 * 1080 at 24 fps Multi-CAM 4500 DX 61-point AF, Auto / User Drive dynamic AF-C, intelligent co-operation with 2200-pixel 3D Color Matrix meter to achieve outstanding success autofocus. Screening of additional information across a large area of the viewfinder. Dual histogram for the double-exposure mode.

Our Take:

This would mean the D300s only has a 6-8 month lifespan - doesn't make sense. Also haven't heard anything about this sensor about Nikon's sensor partner, Sony, which you would expect to if the release was this close.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon D400 Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Q2 2010

Nikon D4x DSLR Latest Rumors

We've added a new Rumor Center for the Nikon D4x DSLR, tracking and ranking all the latest rumors.

At some point, the Nikon D3 series will be replaced, presumably with the D4 series. If Nikon continues its current trend, that means at some point a Nikon D4x will also be released.

See all the latest Nikon D4x DSLR Rumors here.

To see the full article click Nikon D4x DSLR Latest Rumors

Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - Now July 7th

Status:

CR received a tip claiming that the EOS T1/2000D will now be released on July 7th. One of these days their tipsters are going to get the date right, we'll see if that day is it tomorrow.

To see the full article click Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - Now July 7th

Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - June

Status:

According to CR, the Canon EOS T1 will be released in June as an entry level camera with no movie mode, effectively replacing the current Canon EOS XSi.

No details were given as to the source of the rumor.

To see the full article click Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - June

Nikon D3000 DSLR Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Aug 09

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon D3000:

Released August 4th Nikon D3000: effective pixels: 12.3 million ... Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data .... [S] 4.288 x 2.848 ... pentamirror ... 95% coverage ... 0.78x magnif. .... Compatibility AF-S and AF-I ... 1/4000 s.-30 s. ... 3.5 fps 420-zonal RGB sensor ... Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait, Night landscape, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn colors, Food, Silhouette, programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M) Exposure compensation + -5 EV in 1 / 3. bracketing ISO 200 - 3200, steps 1/3, Lo-1, Hi+1 (?) Exposure bracketing - not known, AF MultiCAM 380 (*new) - 7 focus points, 1 cross type, AF-S, AF-C, AF-A, M + electronical rangefinder AF area mode: single point, dynamic area, auto area Live View focus - contrast - detect AF, face priority Movie - not known! Active D-Lightning: Auto or Off Internal flash sm. number 17/56 at ISO 200 LCD monitor: 2.7-in, 230 to-dot ... FIXED HDMI - N Battery: EN-EL9a 124 x 92 x 62 mm, 480 g.

Our Take:

Haven't heard anything about a new AF system, but the rest is pretty much expected on the 4th, give or take.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon D3000 DSLR Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Aug 09

Nikon D300s Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Aug 09

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon D300s:

Released August 4th Nikon D300s - differences from the D300: Continuous high-speed mode: 7 fps, without batterygripu, 8.5 fps with batterygripem, 14-bit mode included 1 Release mode addition: Self-timer + MUP 2200-pixel RGB sensor LCD monitor: 920 to-dot, 2.9-inch, Enhanced contrast detect AF Enhanced phase detect AF: new 2,200-pixel RGB sensor cooperates with 3D Tracking, Auto-Area AF-C is dynamic area, flashing auxiliary section plus focusing direction "display in the viewfinder with the" user-control "change of direction The new processor speeds up AF and significantly increases the quality Movie mode as compared to the D90 and D5000, Movie - mode: 1920 * 1080 at 24 fps Quicktime MOV, H.264 codec D300 3.1-fold compared with the cache memory D300 795 g Extra High Lightning D-mode AF Fine Tuning enhanced: -30 to 30 for the near focus distance, infinity, the shortest and longest focal length CF + SD slot

Our Take:

8.5 f.p.s. with 14 bit images would be a huge surprise, as would a 3x bigger buffer. The rest is pretty much expected on the 4th.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon D300s Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Aug 09

Nikon 85mm f1.4 AF-S Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon 85mm f1.4 Update:

Released October 15th AF-S Nikkor 85 mm f/1.4G: top portrait lens with SWM focus and Nano Crystal Coat, enhance contrast-detect AF-S mode

Our Take:

Would be nice... we've heard nothing credible to say this lens is this close though.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon 85mm f1.4 AF-S Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

Nikon 70-200 f2.8 Update Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon 70-200mm Update:

Released October 15th AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II revised lens for maximum optical performance in the digital FX Nikon, VR II for up to 4 stops, filtrov thread 82 mm, 1530 g, Nano - Crystal Coat, enhance contrast-detect AF-S mode

Our Take:

82mm filter thread unlikely, Nikon standardized their pro lenses on 77mm a while a ago.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon 70-200 f2.8 Update Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

Nikon D700x Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

A user on a Czech forum (here via NikonRumors.com) has posted what he claims may be from a 37 page Nikon document outlining Nikons product release roadmap for 2009-2010.

Here is what it says about the Nikon D700x:

Released October 15th Nikon D700x - differences from the D700: effective pixels: 24.5 million ... Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data .... [S] 6.048 x 4.032 Continuous high-speed mode: 5 fps without batterygripu, 6.5 fps with batterygripem 1 Release mode addition: Self-timer + MUP 2200-pixel RGB sensor L CD monitor: 920 to-dot, 2.9-inch, Enhanced contrast detect AF Enhanced phase detect AF: new 2,200-pixel RGB sensor c ooperates with 3D Tracking, Auto-Area AF-C is dynamic area, flashing auxiliary section plus focusing direction "display in the viewfinder with the" user-control "change of direction Movie - mode: 1920 * 1080 at 24 fps Quicktime MOV, H.264 codec

Our Take:

Hogan says a "reliable source" claims that the D700x may be here before November, but 6.5 f.p.s. with grip? That's faster than the D3x - no way, no how - the D700x will have less processing power than the D3x, not more.

The full translation (translated using Google Translate) of the original post can be found in our forums - see the source link below or click here.

Update:The same poster posted this further down the thread when someone asked him to produce the document, basically saying he found out it was a 'little joke' after spending 3 hours translating it (via Google Translate):

The answer came to me by mail:

• I idiot when I disclose
• It's little joke allegedly staff with responsibilities for their beloved colleagues and supervisors with shipper from the center
• So it's supposedly fancy, but had to give mad work was concerned about his colleagues were extremely happy and very creative. And from me therefore I did laugh and I to 3 hours to translate.

To see the full article click Nikon D700x Rumor: Alleged Nikon Roadmap says Oct 15th

Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.4 Lens Latest Rumors

We've added a new Rumor Center for the Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.4 Lens, tracking and ranking all the latest rumors.

Many Nikon shooters want a fast wide angle, an AF-S 35mm f1.4 has been rumored for a while.

See all the latest Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.4 Lens Rumors here.

To see the full article click Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.4 Lens Latest Rumors

Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - Thom Hogan Speculates Spring

Status:

Thom Hogan has offered his opinion/speculation on upcoming Nikon DSLR releases:

Okay, I'll go further: we'll see a low-end DSLR to replace the D40 and eventually D60, and a high-megapixel FX DSLR to compete with the 5DII better in spring, along with three more lenses; later in the year we'll see a D400 to replace the D300.

As of right now this is on Thom's homepage, but it will likely shortly move to his archive (Feb 2009).

To see the full article click Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - Thom Hogan Speculates Spring

Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - Being field tested?

Status:

RegisterYourCamera.com claims: "An extremely reliable source for RYC has confirmed a camera being field tested by Nikon to directly compete against the Canon 5D MKII. This camera will be announced at the PMA show this year."

They are speculating that it could be the D700x or D800, so the source clearly couldn't give any specifics.

To compete against the Canon 5D Mark II, it needs 20+ megapixels, HD Video, and a price tag of no more than $3,000. The D3x sensor in a D700 with video for $3k just doesn't sound plausible so soon after the $8,000 Nikon D3x launch.

So could this be a new sensor? Could this actually be a Nikon D400 with video, coming in at a lower price than the 5D Mark II (but with a crop sensor?).

Given the lack of specifics, especially the fact they didn't know the name printed on the front of the camera, you can't put much weight at all behind this one.

To see the full article click Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - Being field tested?

Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - KR Says due within a Month

Status:

According to an update on KR's site today, he claims that the latest rumors confirm the Nikon D700X is coming in the next month.

He makes no mention as to where the rumors came from.

That claim seems hard to believe, and surely by definition a rumor means it is unconfirmed? (dictionary.com definition of rumor: a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts)

To see the full article click Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - KR Says due within a Month

Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - May be called D900

Status:

From "Tomy the Insider" again:

"Nikon D700x will see the light of day as the D800 or D900, or so my bud says."

"Main reasons against D700x: - seen as D700 upgrade (too quick!) - name relates to entry-level (ie D70) Name is very important to Japanese corporations. All clear in 33 days! "

To see the full article click Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - May be called D900

Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - Due Dec 20th 2008

Status: Busted

A forum posting by "Tony the Insider" claims:

"The expected announcement date for the D700x is Dec. 20. D700x has everything the D700 has, except the shooting rate at full resolution. The sensor is 24+ MP - while Nikon isn't officially admitting this, it is the one used in the Sony alpha-900. The D700 will be officially discontinued then, as by shooting at 12 MP the D700x will match its burst speed so the D700 is redundant. Price is a big question but expect the USD price to be well above that of the D700. "

"Source of the news is 100% reliable, my buddy in Nikon Japan"

Since the date has passed, source may not be "100% reliable".

To see the full article click Busted: Nikon D700x Rumor - Due Dec 20th 2008

Nikon 70-200 f2.8 Update Rumor: Specs

NR has posted specs pulled from a forum translation:

• VR II
• Nano coating
• New Auto focus priority and manual focus priority
• Weight 1540g (+70g than Gen. I)
• Length 209mm, slightly shorter than Gen. I
• Closest focus distance 1.4m
• 77mm filter

A lot of stuff gets posted on forums, but weights/lengths rarely do ...

To see the full article click Nikon 70-200 f2.8 Update Rumor: Specs

Nikon D700x Rumor: Thom says before November

On his homepage (look in his July 2009 archives if it's no longer there), Thom claims:

But people I trust now tell me that a D700x won't be as late in the year as I suggest (I mentioned November).

To see the full article click Nikon D700x Rumor: Thom says before November

Sony DSLR Buying Recommendations

Our current recommendations for purchasing Sony cameras. Please note, these recommendations are speculative, and are based on a combination of our opinions, the prior release history of cameras from Sony, and in some cases rumors we believe to be credible.

To see the full article click Sony DSLR Buying Recommendations

Canon DSLR Buying Recommendations

Our current recommendations for purchasing Canon cameras. Please note, these recommendations are speculative, and are based on a combination of our opinions, the prior release history of cameras from Canon, and in some cases rumors we believe to be credible.

To see the full article click Canon DSLR Buying Recommendations

Canon T1 2000D Rumor: Now July 7th

CR received a tip claiming that the EOS T1/2000D will now be released on July 7th. One of these days their tipsters are going to get the date right, we'll see if that day is it tomorrow.

To see the full article click Canon T1 2000D Rumor: Now July 7th

Leica M9 Rumor: To Use The Canon 5D Mark II Sensor

CR is reporting they received an email claiming that Canon and Leica are in negotiations for Canon to supply a version of the 5D Mark II sensor for use in the upcoming Leica M9.

They also claim the new Leica is to be launched at Photokina 2010 in Germany.

To see the full article click Leica M9 Rumor: To Use The Canon 5D Mark II Sensor

Canon EOS 3D Rumor: To be Announced after the Nikon D300s

CR is reporting that a source claims the EOS 3D is coming, and will be announced after the Nikon D300 replacement. They claim it is going to be between the 1D Mark III and the 50D/60D, and that the specs will blow the D300/D400 away.

To see the full article click Canon EOS 3D Rumor: To be Announced after the Nikon D300s

Canon PowerShot Rumor: GMOS Again

CR is reporting a source claims that Canon does indeed have an APS-C sized sensor "G" camera being tested/developed, but may not appear until Photokina 2010.

The rumored specs are:

• 15.1mp CMOS 1.6x Crop
• 3x Zoom (24-70 IS, no speed information)
• 3″ 920k LCD
• ISO 100-3200
• DIGIC V
• SD Card
• 1080p HD Movie Mode
• Body is slightly larger than the G10
• New Battery
• No Viewfinder (Flash shoe VF?)
• Flash Shoe

To see the full article click Canon PowerShot Rumor: GMOS Again

Nikon DSLR Buying Recommendations

Here are our current recommendations for purchasing Nikon cameras. Please note, these recommendations are speculative, and are based on a combination of our opinions, the prior release history of cameras from Nikon, and in some cases rumors we believe to be credible.

To see the full article click Nikon DSLR Buying Recommendations

PocketWizard ZoneController from LPA Design

LPA Design has announced the PocketWizard ZoneController, which enables the adjusting of remote flash output settings. Full details can be found at RobGalbraith.com.

To see the full article click PocketWizard ZoneController from LPA Design

Confirmed: Olympus Micro Four Thirds Rumor - Mid June 2009 Launch

Status:

QUESABESDE.COM are reporting that they have been told the Olympus Micro Four Thirds system will be formally unveiled by Mid June.

To see the full article click Confirmed: Olympus Micro Four Thirds Rumor - Mid June 2009 Launch

Busted: Fuji S6 DSLR Rumor - Launching Shortly

Status:

According to a poster on DPReview:

"Somebody has got the information from a "reliable source" that Fuji is launching an S5 successor shortly, no more details than that."

To see the full article click Busted: Fuji S6 DSLR Rumor - Launching Shortly

Nikon D3000 DSLR Rumor: D60 Replacement Due August

NR is reporting that a retailer has tipped them off that a D60 replacement is due early August.

It's well know there are Nikon events scheduled for July 30th and August 4th, so if correct, that would make the August 4th date the DSLR/lens announcements, and July 30th the Coolpix announcements.

To see the full article click Nikon D3000 DSLR Rumor: D60 Replacement Due August

Nikon D4000 DSLR Rumor: D60 Replacement Due August

NR is reporting that a retailer has tipped them off that a D60 replacement is due early August.

It's well know there are Nikon events scheduled for July 30th and August 4th, so if correct, that would make the August 4th date the DSLR/lens announcements, and July 30th the Coolpix announcements.

To see the full article click Nikon D4000 DSLR Rumor: D60 Replacement Due August

Olympus Micro Four Thirds Rumor: Pro Camera Coming

BJP has an article on Olympus's plans for micro four-thirds, in which Akira Watanabe, tha man in charge of Olympus Imaging's SLR planning department, explaining that while the E-P1 is aimed primarily at amateurs, subsequent models will target other markets, such as professional or entry-level users.

Click the source link for details.

To see the full article click Olympus Micro Four Thirds Rumor: Pro Camera Coming

Canon 5D Mark II Problems/Updates Rumor: Magic Lantern Firmware

5D Mark II users now have the choice of using Canons official firmware, or a third party firmware that addresses some issues many users have been asking for. From their web page:

Magic Lantern is an open platform for developing enhancements to the amazing Canon 5D Mark II full frame digital SLR. This camera is a "game changer" for independent film makers:

• It allows the use of a wide range of lenses (anything that can be adapted to the EF mount).
• The 35mm full-frame sensor is larger than the RED ONE's sensor, Super 35 film. It is approximately the size of VistaVision. This means shallower native depth-of-field than anything on the market, except for the Phantom 65.
• The dynamic range and latitude are close to the capabilities of high-end HD cameras.
• The low-light performance is currently unrivaled, even by the RED ONE.

But, the software in video mode has limitations, even after the recent 1.1.0 upgrade from Canon that fixed the most glaring manual exposure "bug".

That's where Magic Lantern comes in -- it turns your 5D Mark II into a 5D Mark Free. We've written extensions and widgets that fix many of the annoyances in working with the 5D Mark II on a film or video set. Our first set of fixes are targeted at the audio limitations of the camera, but there are some video enhancements included, too:

• On-screen audio meters
• Disabled AGC
• Manual gain control
• Zebra stripes (video peaking)
• Crop marks for 16:9, 2.35:1 and 4:3

Use at your own risk.

To see the full article click Canon 5D Mark II Problems/Updates Rumor: Magic Lantern Firmware

Kodachrome R.I.P.

After 74 years, Kodak has announced the end of my all-time favorite film, Kodachrome. Admittedly, it's been several years since I last shot a roll of Kodachrome 25 or 64, but for a couple of decades it was my medium of choice.

To see the full article click Kodachrome R.I.P.

Adobe releases Photoshop Lightroom 2.4, Camera Raw 5.4

Adobe releases Photoshop Lightroom 2.4, Camera Raw 5.4. The updates can be found here.

To see the full article click Adobe releases Photoshop Lightroom 2.4, Camera Raw 5.4

No Pro DSLR from Fuji This Year

According to PDNPulse:

"Fuji is not manufacturing a pro camera for this year," Diane Rainey, Group Manager for Fujifilm's Corporate Communications said at a press event last night. "However, we are continuing to support whatever's out there right now."

To see the full article click No Pro DSLR from Fuji This Year

New Sony Alpha DSLRs Rumor: Video Is Coming

CNET Asia has posted an article with comments from Sony's Toru Katsumoto on Sony's future plans to add video to their DSLR range (see source link below for full article):

Katsumoto told CNET Asia the company's Handycam camcorders have long established themselves with consumers. If the firm should decide to make a dSLR with movie capture feature, it will want to make this as good as its Handycam.

To see the full article click New Sony Alpha DSLRs Rumor: Video Is Coming

Canon 5D Mark II Problems/Updates Rumor: Two Cameras Survive Underwater

Despite all the problems and concerns with weathersealing issues on the 5D Mark II, according to Planet5D.com two photographers managed to completely submerge their cameras, without causing any damage. Click the source link for details.

To see the full article click Canon 5D Mark II Problems/Updates Rumor: Two Cameras Survive Underwater

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Rumor: Specs

Northlight Images have posted specs of a 1D Mark IV that is currently being used by a Canon Tester:

• 1.3 crop
• Images ~16MP
• ISO 50-25600
• 8MP sRAW1 format providing images that seem to best 1D3 files in detail
• Very clean images at ISO 3200. 6400/12800 take further processing very well
• Slightly faster FPS than 1D3 in real life shooting
• AF greatly improved and very good in low light (actual comment was 'Nikon fast')
• Liveview AF - not up to fast sports use, but very usable otherwise
• Video as with 5D2
• Screen as per 5D2
• Ergonomic improvements with grips - some buttons moved
• Feels faster and more responsive in nearly all aspects of real use.

They also add that this may not be the final form of the camera.

To see the full article click Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Rumor: Specs

Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - Specs, June 30th

Status:

CR has posted specs for the Canon T1 / 2000D, with a possible June 30th announcement:

• 15.1mp
• 7 AF points
• 3fps
• ISO 100-3200
• 3″ ClearView LCD (Not Articulating)
• 720P Video (30fps & 24fps) NO 1080p
• SD Card
• USB 2.0
• HDMI Out
• Video Out
• LP-E5 Battery

To see the full article click Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - Specs, June 30th

Nikon 70-200 f2.8 Update Rumor: Discontinued

Rumors of updates to the 70-200mm f2.8 have been raging since before the D3 announcement, and they are still coming - this was posted on a DPReview forum:

My dealer says they cannot buy the 70-200mm 2.8 VR from Nikon anymore. I guess most of us were expecting this, but here it is now. The dealer didn't have any information about the new lens, but expected nano coating, sharper edges and some more bulk.

Thom Hogan also recently posted on a forum that 3 new lenses may be coming (he only had a single source), and hinted it would firm up the "pro" offerings - so this lens would fit into that...

But for now, this falls into "I read it on a forum..."

To see the full article click Nikon 70-200 f2.8 Update Rumor: Discontinued

SanDisk Unveils Worlds Fastest 32GB SDHC Card

Press Release:

SanDisk Unveils World's Fastest 32GB SDHC Card

30MB/s Read & Write Speeds and 32GB Storage Capacity Help Photography and Video Enthusiasts Do More With Their DSLRs

PMA, Sydney, June 25, 2009 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced the fastest 32-gigabyte (GB) SDHC card on the market. The 32GB SanDisk Extreme® SDHC card at up to 30 megabytes per second (MB/s) read and write speeds combines industry-leading performance with massive storage capacity, helping digital photography enthusiasts utilize the advanced features of today's DSLR cameras.

"The market for entry to mid-level DSLR cameras is growing, and SDHC is becoming the de-facto card format for these devices," said Susan Park, director, retail product marketing, SanDisk. "Our card's 32GB of storage and up to 30MB/s read & write speeds enable DSLR users to shoot without worrying about storage or speed limitations. SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards provide consumers with a more enjoyable user experience, letting them focus on what is really important - the images that they are capturing."

Lightning-Fast Write Speed Captures Images Quickly

A memory card's write speed plays a crucial role in the overall system of the camera when taking pictures in rapid succession. If a card cannot process data quickly enough then the burst mode shooting may pause unexpectedly as the card catches up to the camera. Burst mode bottlenecks can lead to missing "the" shot, especially at sporting or other fast-motion events. The SanDisk Extreme SDHC card offers maximum data-transfer rates, giving consumers a memory card fast enough to unlock the full capabilities of their DSLRs.

The 32GB SanDisk Extreme SDHC card adheres to the SD Association's new Class 10 specification, which exceeds requirement for today's high definition (AVCHD) video recording. The card offers a sustained write speed fast enough to ensure high-definition video recording and capacity capable of storing 160 minutes of full HD 1920x1080 pixels at 24Mb/s data transfer rate.

Big Files Require Big Storage

Recently-released DSLR camera models like the Nikon D90 and D5000 offer consumers the ability to record HD videos, producing large files that can fill lesser-capacity cards quickly. Today's high-megapixel DSLRs also can generate massive still images like those produced in the RAW format used by professional photographers who want to take advantage of the enhanced picture quality and flexibility that RAW allows during post production.

RAW images demand up to ten times as much storage space as regular JPEG images, and when taken in rapid succession during burst mode can quickly fill smaller storage cards. The 32GB SanDisk Extreme SDHC card can store up to 2500 RAW images, providing photographers with piece of mind and confidence that they will not run out of space for their images.

Renowned for their world-class durability, SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards guarantee operation at extended temperatures ranging from minus 13 F (minus 25 C) to 185 F (85 C). SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards are fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports SDHC cards.

When placed in SanDisk's new ImageMate® Multi-Card USB 2.0 reader/writer, the SanDisk Extreme SDHC card transfers images and video to a computer at rates of up to 30MB/s. The card's fast data transfer rates enable photographers operating under tight deadlines to maximize critical workflow and enter post production as quickly as possible.

Class 10 Performance Sets a New Standard

An SD card's speed Class is based on its minimum data-transfer rate, and is used to ensure high-quality video recording standards. The SD Association added Class 10 as part of the SD 3.0 specification released earlier this year. The SanDisk Extreme SDHC card's performance exceeds the requirements of even the highest-quality AVCHD video recording device, and is currently the fastest Class 10 card in the world.

Availability:

The SanDisk Extreme SDHC 32GB cards will be shipping worldwide to major retailers in August. Also in August, the current 4, 8 and 16GB capacity SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards will be upgraded from Class 6 to Class 10.

About SanDisk:

SanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards - from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk's product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company with more than half its sales outside of the United States.

To see the full article click SanDisk Unveils World's Fastest 32GB SDHC Card

Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - June 9th or 23rd

Status:

CR reports the T1/2000D could be released as soon as June 9th. Or June 23rd. No information is given to back up the claims, and they give it their lowest credibility rating.

To see the full article click Busted: Canon T1 2000D Rumor - June 9th or 23rd

Canon T1 2000D Rumor: Specs, June 30th

CR has posted specs for the Canon T1 / 2000D, with a possible June 30th announcement:

• 15.1mp
• 7 AF points
• 3fps
• ISO 100-3200
• 3″ ClearView LCD (Not Articulating)
• 720P Video (30fps & 24fps) NO 1080p
• SD Card
• USB 2.0
• HDMI Out
• Video Out
• LP-E5 Battery

To see the full article click Canon T1 2000D Rumor: Specs, June 30th

Nikon D3000 DSLR Rumor: Photo

LensTip.com briefly hosted what they claimed was a picture of the Nikon D3000, and then promptly deleted the link, with no explanation that we can see.

To see the full article click Nikon D3000 DSLR Rumor: Photo

Nikon D3s Rumor: D3 Update in Autumn

According to NR, the successor to the Nikon D3 (likely called either the D3s or D3h) will come this Autumn, still at 12mp, but with a dust shaker.

To see the full article click Nikon D3s Rumor: D3 Update in Autumn

Nikon D300s Rumor: Photo

NR has a photo of a Nikon D300s - if real, looks identical to the D300, except with a D300s logo and a mic just below it - exactly what you'd expect.

To see the full article click Nikon D300s Rumor: Photo

Canon 35mm f/1.8 USM Rumor: Coming Soon

Northlight Images is reporting they've been told to expect a new 35mm f/1.8 lens from Canon (56mm equiv on 1.6 crop). This would replace the EF35mm f/2 which dates from 1990.

To see the full article click Canon 35mm f/1.8 USM Rumor: Coming Soon